A letter to my younger self

It has been a while since I wrote on this blog. Today, I find myself a little bit free, so I gathered my courage to pen down my thoughts. It has been a long way for me to be consistent with what I love. Writing has been an indispensable part of my life, helping me in many ways, both professionally and personally. It helps me improve myself in various ways, whether academic or personal. Due to the busy schedule of my job or personal settings I can't find ample time to list down my thoughts.

Today, when I find my self little bit free, so I started to think about a topic to write on. After thinking for certain time I can't find any specific topic to write about. So, I tried to pen down something random. Here, I write a letter to my younger self. Although I am still at a young age, I just reimagine the past with myself as a young, and with that notion, I wrote this. 

At a younger age (23-26), one should be firm about his or her career decision, what he or she exactly wants from his or her career. Because this is the only time where you can make a decision that can decide your future. So, one must be able to decide what is good and bad for him or her. Unless and until we decide what we want from life, it becomes very difficult for us to move ahead. I've seen many of my friends, including myself, who are completely miserable about their career paths. I've seen and am seeing friends, students who have completed their graduation, post-graduation but are not able to decide what exactly they want from life. Having a proper aim, goal, or dream clears our thinking and plays a crucial role in becoming what we want to be. So, in a nutshell, the point here is to be firm about what you want to be, write it on paper, see it every day, and work towards it. Because clarity is king. Be clear in your thoughts and actions.

If I were to write to my younger self, I would focus more on what I wish for. Reading from a younger age and developing it as a habit would be my favorite one. If someone could ask me that what is one of the best habit for self-improvement so I advice him/her to read a lot. Extensive reading of anything that interests you. It just not clear your mind but also helps you to think and focus on particular problem. Today, what we see is that people are lacking in explaining their thoughts to wider communities due to poor reading and writing habits. Because these are the things that make you stand out from others. I already mentioned the ample benefits of reading in my previous blogs. But one thing is for sure, if I could develop this habit as early as possible in my career, then I would be at a different level than the existing one. I personally think that I developed this habit lately in myself, but I'm fortunate to have it.

Traveling to new places, learning new skills (language, painting, singing, drawing), and focusing on your health are some irreplaceable things that I wish I had done earlier. Because these are the things that make us different from others or in the top 1%. 

Embracing failures is a quality of the brave. I profoundly encourage myself to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. I've failed, I admire, and I take it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Because every setback is a golden opportunity to grow stronger. I have the notion that I fail because I didn't deserve it. It will make you aware of yourself.

Having a good grasp of communication, whether verbal or non-verbal, is of ample importance in life. Learning communication as a skill is the need of the hour. Those who have a grasp of it are way ahead than those who don't. Mastering good skills always pays off.

Exploring yourself to new adventures is also worth mentioning. Instead of putting your energy into unnecessary things, utilizing it in noble causes is always good and beneficial. I've seen that students are too crazy about this virtual world that they can't even find time for a good night's sleep. Prioritizing unnecessary clutter over what is important always has a negative impact on yourself. Spending time on social media is getting too much active energy, so utilization of energy for such causes is also a quite wondering thing. Instead of that, putting your valuable time and effort into something that interests you will always reward you. Here, I'm not blaming social media; I'm blaming those who use it unconditionally. Earlier, I was heavily reliant on social media, but I realized its potential to improve myself, and I'm fortunate to have used it correctly. Having priorities towards oneself development is quite an essential thing, I believe.

There are many things that I learned lately, but I wish I had learned them earlier. Learning is a continuous process, and I believe that we learn more from the experiences of others than from any theoretical textbook or reference books, which is always fruitful for us in our long run. Because life is too short to learn from our own mistakes or deeds.

It's time to bid adieu you all and I will soon come with a newer post on this blog once I get ample time from my work schedule.

One fine evening and Solitude 💗

Favorite quote of month by James Clear!

Always ask, but never expect.

Always ask for what you want. Many people are happy to help—if the request is direct and specific. In a surprising number of cases, something remarkable is possible if you have the courage to ask.

Never expect people to say yes. Everyone is busy and balancing multiple priorities. Your request is not their responsibility. When you're told no, move on lightly and freely. The world is full of opportunity.

Until next time! 

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Gaurav S. Patil